Twenty-one projects across solar, wind, hydropower, and battery storage will more than double the state’s utility-scale storage capacity — and create over 1,000 jobs along the way.
New York has awarded contracts to 21 large-scale clean energy projects totaling 1.7 GW, combining 950 MW of battery storage and 719 MW of renewables. The deals are expected to draw over $3.7 billion in private investment and create more than 1,000 jobs, with most projects required to be operational by the end of 2030.
New York’s clean energy build-out just took its biggest storage leap yet — and the numbers behind it are hard to ignore.
What Was Announced?
On Wednesday, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) confirmed it will sign contracts with developers behind 21 separate projects. The awards come out of two parallel solicitations: the state’s first-ever Bulk Energy Storage RFP and its 2025 Tier 1 Renewable Energy Standard solicitation. Together, they’re projected to bring in more than $3.7 billion in private capital and support over 1,000 jobs statewide.
The Storage Side: 950 MW Across Eight Projects
The bulk storage solicitation, which NYSERDA launched in summer 2025, turned out to be highly competitive — 46 bids came in, offering a combined 6 GW of potential capacity. Only eight made the cut, adding up to 950 MW of new battery storage.
These projects are spread across the state, from New York City and Long Island to the Hudson Valley and Western New York. All eight will use lithium-ion battery technology capable of storing power for four to eight hours at a stretch — long enough to help smooth out demand spikes and fill gaps when solar or wind output dips. Every project on this list is expected to be up and running by the end of 2030.
The Renewables Side: 719 MW Across 13 Projects
On the generation side, 13 land-based renewable projects were selected, adding a combined 719 MW of wind, solar, and hydropower capacity. NYSERDA estimates this new capacity will generate enough electricity annually to power more than 230,000 homes. Like the storage projects, these are also required to come online by 2030.
Why This Matters for New York’s Grid?
NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen Harris framed the announcement as more than just a capacity boost. “These newly-contracted large-scale energy projects not only further the growth of clean energy and more than double the utility-scale energy storage that exists currently statewide — but they contribute to New York’s comprehensive, all of the above energy strategy,” Harris said.
That “more than double” detail is worth sitting with. Battery storage has historically lagged behind renewable generation in New York — it’s one thing to build solar and wind farms, another to store that power efficiently when the sun isn’t out or the wind isn’t blowing. This round of awards directly targets that gap.
Where New York’s Clean Energy Buildout Stands Now?
Zooming out, New York currently has 10.5 GW of solar, onshore and offshore wind, and hydropower capacity either operating or in development. Of that, roughly 3.2 GW is under construction, while 2.7 GW is already feeding power into the grid.
NYSERDA isn’t done yet, either — the agency confirmed it plans to issue a second bulk storage RFP by the end of 2026, suggesting this week’s announcement is a checkpoint, not a finish line, in the state’s broader energy strategy.
FAQ
How much renewable energy and storage capacity did New York just award?
- 1.7 GW total — combining 950 MW of battery storage and 719 MW of renewable generation (wind, solar, and hydropower) across 21 projects.
How much investment will these projects bring to New York?
- The projects are expected to generate more than $3.7 billion (roughly €3.24 billion) in private investment.
How many jobs will these projects create?
- NYSERDA estimates the 21 projects will support more than 1,000 jobs.
When will these projects be operational?
- All projects — both storage and renewable generation — are required to be operational by the end of 2030.
What technology will the storage projects use?
- All eight storage projects will use lithium-ion batteries capable of storing electricity for four to eight hours.
How many homes will the new renewable capacity power?
- The 719 MW of new renewable generation is expected to produce enough electricity to power more than 230,000 homes annually.
Will New York issue more storage contracts?
- Yes — NYSERDA has confirmed it will launch a second bulk energy storage RFP by the end of 2026.
